ACS Relay for Life held in memory of Mildred Brown

MILDRED BROWN

The Sixth Annual Lincoln County American Cancer Society (ACS) Relay for Life will officially begin at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 11, at the Curry Colvin Recreation Complex.

During the all-night event, teams consisting of from eight to 15 people will have at least one of their members walking around the field at all times to show support for the ACS and its mission to eliminate cancer as a major health problem.

This year's relay is being held in memory of Mildred Dean Brown, a staunch supporter of the ACS, who passed away on August 1, 2006, following a lengthy battle with cancer.

Even though she was ill and did not feel well, Dean was one of the driving forces behind last year's Relay for Life. She gave of herself sacrificially so that others might have a better future.

Following Dean's death, Franklin Brown, one of her sons, remarked, "She would think about others before she thought about self. Even on days when she could hardly get out of bed, she would take somebody to the doctor, the store - it didn't matter. She did it all the time. Her favorite saying was 'The Lord has put this in my heart, and I've got to do it.' There was no arguing or reasoning with her - she was going to do it."

BRITTANY DANDRON

Another family member said, "Dean tried to help everybody, no matter how she felt. She knew she wasn't able but would try regardless. We're all going to miss her."

And that's what Relay for Life is all about - helping others by supporting the ACS's goal of eliminating cancer through research, prevention, and early detection programs.

Teams in this year's relay are being sponsored by Ebenezer Baptist Church, Pleasant Grove C.M.E. Church, First Baptist Church, Mulberry C.M.E. Church, the Lincoln County Courthouse, Newberry Missionary Baptist Church, Farmers State Bank, Lincoln County Family Connection, Price's Grove Baptist Church, the LCMS Junior Beta Club, and the Lincoln Lifers (cancer survivors in the county.)

Along with walking, the teams will be selling a variety of delicious treats including barbecued ribs, hamburgers, hot dogs, sausage dogs, chili nachos, chicken wings, snow cones, popcorn, all sorts of baked goods, soft drinks, and lemonade.

The Sixth Annual Lincoln County ACS Relay for Life will kick off with opening ceremonies at 7:30 p.m., followed by the Survivors' Walk. Cancer survivors, young and old, are invited to walk in the opening lap of the relay to give the community a chance to show its appreciation for these brave individuals.

The next two laps belong to caregivers and members of the clergy, who provide spiritual support to those with cancer.

Then, at 8:15 p.m., the relay begins in earnest when all of the teams take the field.

One of the many highlights of the relay will be the Luminary Ceremony at 9:30 p.m. The lighting of these special candles, placed in weighted bags, will give participants the opportunity to celebrate the lives of those who have survived cancer and pay tribute to those who have been lost to the disease.

Each luminary will be lit either in honor or in memory of a loved one. The names of these individuals will be prominently displayed on the bags.

In addition, the event will feature face painting, a duck pond, a "tattoo parlor," a "dance off," games, and a dunkin' booth.

The list of rugged souls who have agreed to appear in the dunking booth includes Randy Smith, a teacher at LCHS; Keith Cunningham, a nurse practitioner for Dr. Robert Williams; Glenn Creech; Rev. Addison Belangia, pastor of Faith Temple; Rev. Dan Rosser, pastor of Lincolnton Baptist Church; Mac McGahee; Dakota Turner; and George P. Burdell, president of the Well's Creek Georgia Tech Alumni Club. Every UGA fan who dunks Burdell will receive a Bulldawg bumper sticker.

Also daring to enter the dunkin' booth is Nelson Brooks, chairman of the Lincoln County Republican Party. Brooks has issued a challenge to all Democrats to come out and dunk him, with the GOP donating $1 to the ACS every time the chairman hits the water.

Likewise, Family Connection will be selling pies for $1 each to throw at Walker Norman, chairman of the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners; Ernie Doss, director of the Lincoln County Department of Public Safety; Lee Moss, magistrate/probate judge for the county; Colleen Leroy, Fast Start coordinator for the Toombs Judicial Circuit; and Bruce Beggs, Lincoln County Superior Court clerk.

Furthermore, organizers of the relay are hoping to continue the "Ms. Relay" tradition Friday, with the help of a few good men in the community. Those gentlemen interested in supporting the fight against cancer by dressing up just a bit and taking part in the Ms. Relay Pageant are asked to contact Stella Crosby at 706- 359-5769.

The musicians who will be on hand to make this year's relay a success include the LCES Chorus, under the direction of Barbara Boddie; Shannon Cox and Laney Aycock; the Cox Trio; the First Assembly of God Choir; Renee Hall; Jennifer Ashworth; Laura Perkins, Brittney Perkins; and ReNae Bolton.

The executive committee for the 2007 Relay for Life is comprised of Judy Jordan, chairman; Dena Gibson, vice chairman; Brenda Danner, sponsorship; Carrie Parker, luminaries and team recruitment; Virginia Williams, survivorship; Renee Guthrie, accounting; Stella Crosby, Ms. Relay and entertainment/spirit; and Carole Shirley, kick-off planning.

Serving as the honorary chairman of the Relay for Life is Brittany Dandron, 7, a first-grade student at LCES. Brittany was diagnosed with colon cancer at the age of 18 months and has undergone several surgeries since that time. She is presently doing quite well.

Brittany's positive attitude, bubbly personality, courage, and endurance are an inspiration to all who meet her. She is truly an amazing child.

The honorary chairman is the daughter of Michelle Dandron and Tim Dwight, both of Lincolnton.

The public is heartily encouraged to come out and spend a fun and inspirational night at the recreation complex, while helping support the fight against cancer.

For more information about the Lincoln County ACS Relay for Life, contact Judy Jordan at 706-359- 5988 or Dena Gibson at 706-359- 5589 or 706-359-5502.